Bipod

ABSTRACT

An exemplary bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories includes a first carriage, a turret rail member, a second carriage, first and second leg housings, and first and second linking members. The first carriage slidingly receives the rail. The turret rail member rotatably couples with the turret carriage such that the turret carriage may pan the firearm. The second carriage slidingly receives a rail portion of the turret rail member. The first and second leg housings each have an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage and a mount disposed distal to the upper end. The first and second linking members each include a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/663,874 filed on Mar. 20, 2015 and entitled “Bipod.” This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/397,336 filed on Sep. 20, 2016 and also entitled “Bipod.” The disclosures of both applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present invention relates to bipods for stabilizing an attached device such as a firearm and more particularly to a bipod, which permits single-handed deployment and adjustment of height and angulation of the attached device.

BACKGROUND

The word “bipod” is derived from the Latin and Greek roots “bi” and “pod” meaning “two” and “foot” respectively. Bipods may be used to stabilize a variety of devices that require steadying during use, such as, for example, weapons, photographic equipment, and videography equipment.

A bipod may be used as an attachment for a firearm to provide stability and a steady plane while aiming and shooting. The created stability is intended to help steady the firearm during “gun laying” or aiming in order to ensure and increase accuracy. Gun laying involves moving the axis of the bore of the barrel in two planes, namely the horizontal and vertical planes. A gun is traversed—rotated in a horizontal plane—to align it with the target, and elevated—moved in the vertical plane—to range it to the target. The bipod provides significant stability along the two axes of motion.

The basic concept of a bipod dates back to pre-20th century times. The Harris bipod, an early example of which may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,422 to Harris, quickly became an industry standard. The Harris bipod includes a mount attached to the underside of the fore-end of the stock of the firearm using a threaded swivel as a fastener. A clamp grips both sides of the swivel with pins that lock into the holes of the swivel. Tightening a screw on the clamp causes it to be pulled downward and forces it to squeeze on the swivel through a hole to prevent the pins from dislodging. The mount then has two legs that are attached on pivot points with springs attached along the leg and back to the mount. This allows the legs to be pivoted downward past a point where the spring pulls the legs into a position with resistance to keep them from folding up; however, the legs do not lock. The legs in the folded up position run parallel to the barrel in order minimize the profile and therefore minimize snagging on objects along the way when moving the firearm from one shooting position or location to another. In addition, this makes storing the firearm easier with the bipod attached.

Continuing with the Harris bipod, the legs are formed as tubes within tubes that allow the legs to be extended. The leg extensions have grooves cut in them to extend the legs in discreet increments to raise the height. A spring-loaded mechanism locks into the grooves. This allows some variation in setting the height of the bipod to accommodate the shooter's preference to accommodate his or her anatomy for a more comfortable position to make a shot. The legs are spring-loaded to retract to quickly stow the legs for movement. Stowing the legs involves pushing the legs forward past the spring's point of resistance where the spring begins to pull the legs upward. The legs have feet or caps on their ends made of rubber that when set on a surface provide a grip and added stability in order to steady the firearm for a shot. Leapers, Inc. manufactures the UTG Bipod with similar features as the Harris bipod.

Another popular bipod, manufactured by B&T Industries, LLC, is the Atlas bipod, an example of which may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,174 to Beltz. This particular design utilizes a “QD” or quick disconnect and connect mechanism to secure to a rail mounted to the underside of the fore-end of a stock on a firearm. The legs of this design can be angled forward at preselected angles based on a pin mechanism that uses a spring-loaded button that interfaces with a corresponding cog on the base of the bipod. The design also has leg extensions to adjust the height of the bipod. The leg extensions utilize a spring-loaded collar that is pulled downward along the axis of the leg to release and pull the leg extensions into position. The legs have corresponding notches to lock into various settings for adjustment. This allows the legs to be extended in a telescopic fashion to a desired level. This bipod is also available with modular extensions that can be installed to increase the height and reattach the feet using an Allen key. A variety of feet are also available. The Atlas bipod also allows the mount to swivel so the firearm can be panned left to right for moving targets. In addition, the firearm can also be canted since the mount can swivel on an axis parallel to the barrel. Actuation of the legs may be performed using one hand, but it is very difficult to do while the firearm is shouldered since the shooter has to reach far forward unless the bipod is mounted backwards on the mount.

GG&G manufactures the XDS bipod, which includes features of both the Harris bipod and the Atlas bipod. It also utilizes a QD mechanism to connect to a rail. The legs extend through a threaded knob that when turned releases the legs to telescopically extend the legs. The legs are rotated down into position and can be locked via a mechanism of a lever that is spring loaded. Depressing the lever releases the lock so the legs can be folded up and stowed for movement. The legs of this design can also be angled forward like the Atlas bipod; however, there is only one setting at 45 degrees.

Versa-Pod manufactures a variety of bipods including the 150 Series of bipods, an example of which being the 150-052 bipod. This bipod requires a special adapter to be placed on the firearm for mounting which may be attached in turn to a standard Picatinny rail. The design utilizes a ball joint to rotate or angle the firearm. This ball joint allows for panning the firearm during tracking while a screw is provided that can be tightened to eliminate movement as desired. The legs of this design are spring loaded in a direction of extension rather than retraction. The design has a unique mechanism in which the leg, when in the folded up position, fold together forward; however, when pulled down, the legs spread apart with a spring between the legs. The legs can also be folded backward. There is no positive lock on the legs.

The Mako Group manufactures a line of bipods known as the “Vertical Foregrip” w/Integrated Adjustable Quick Release bipod, examples of which may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,823,855 and 7,909,301 to Faifer, that double-functions as a single handle/forward grip that opens and converts into a bipod. A single hand can be used to deploy the bipod; however, the handle or forward grip itself cannot be folded up and stowed during movement. Some versions include an integrated flashlight mount. The design utilizes a unique slide mechanism in which a button is depressed to move it and open the feature to slide onto a rail system. Once it reaches a desired position along the rail, the shooter releases the button to allow the slide to move into a position in which a locking lug slides into one of the slots on the Picatinny rail.

With the exception of the Mako Group bipod, current designs all require the shooter in many cases to bring the firearm off the shoulder in order to use the hand that typically grips the stock or pistol grip to actuate the legs into a downward position by hand to set up for a shot. This may be critical time in which the shooter needs to setup, deploy and, steady the firearm, and acquire the target through sights or optics in order to make a shot. At this point, the target may have moved and gone to a place of cover or concealment.

Another issue with many of the current designs is the complex actuation mechanisms that must be grasped and positioned to release and extend the legs to change the set elevation. Changing the set elevation is important to bring the firearm to a comfortable position in relation to the anatomy of the shooter. In many cases, the levers are not ergonomically designed or positioned for easy actuation compatible with the anatomy of the fingers and hands. The levers have to be held while the firearm is lifted for the legs to be extended or the firearm is lifted to let the legs adjust and then locked down. A few of the bipods leg extensions are spring loaded so that when actuated extends the legs out to the furthest adjustment or they retract fully. As a result, the firearm has to be gripped and held, taking it off the shoulder until the legs can be locked.

To lock the legs, many of the current designs use extension springs that provide a positive force pulling the main legs down into position once the legs are rotated past a point where the spring acts in this downward direction. This requires the use of both hands: one hand holds the firearm while the other hand grips the leg and pulls it downward against the resisting spring past the point of resistance. This has to be repeated on the other side for the bipods where the main legs act independent of one another. Again, the firearm has to be taken off the shoulder to deploy.

The pads or feet of many of the designs use one of two types. One seems to be a rubber foot that is round but has angled or chamfered surfaces that actually interface with the ground once the legs are deployed into position. The other is a flat plate at the end of the leg that interfaces with the ground in a normal orientation once the legs are deployed. The former round rubber foot when contacted with the ground only provides one line of contact. The flat plated feet provide a surface but once the bipod is slightly tilted, which is done in most cases, still only provides one line of contact.

SUMMARY

An exemplary bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories includes a first carriage, a turret rail member, a second carriage, first and second leg housings, and first and second linking members. The first carriage slidingly receives the rail. The turret rail member rotatably couples with the turret carriage such that the turret carriage may pan the firearm. The second carriage slidingly receives a rail portion of the turret rail member. The first and second leg housings each have an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage and a mount disposed distal to the upper end. The first and second linking members each include a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.

In other features, the bipod further may include any one, two, or all of a first lock assembly, a second lock assembly, or a third lock assembly. The first lock assembly selectively prevents translation of the first carriage relative to the rail. The second lock assembly selectively prevents translation of the second carriage relative to the turret rail member. The third lock assembly that selectively prevents rotation of the turret carriage relative to the turret rail member.

In still other features, the bipod includes first and second removable feet on distal ends of the first and second leg housings, each including a body member that flexes relative to a base member. In yet other features, the bipod includes a removable grip that couples with the second carriage.

Another exemplary bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories includes first and second carriages, first and second leg housings, and first and second linking members. The first and second carriages slidably receive the rail. The first and second leg housings each have an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage and a mount disposed distal to the upper end. The first and second linking members each include a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.

In other features, the bipod further may include a first lock assembly, a second lock assembly, or both first and second lock assemblies. The first lock assembly selectively prevents translation of the first carriage relative to the rail. The second lock assembly selectively prevents translation of the second carriage relative to the rail.

In still other features, the bipod includes first and second removable feet on distal ends of the first and second leg housings, each including a body member that flexes relative to a base member. In yet other features, the bipod includes a removable grip that couples with the second carriage.

Still another exemplary bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories includes a first carriage, first and second leg housings, and first and second feet. The first carriage slidingly receives the rail. The first and second leg housings each have an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage. The first and second feet on distal ends of the first and second leg housings each include a body member that flexes relative to a base member.

In other features, the bipod further includes a first lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the first carriage relative to the rail. In yet other features, the bipod further includes a second carriage configured to slidingly receive the rail. In still other features, the bipod includes a mount disposed distal to the upper end of each of the first and second leg housings. In other features, first and second linking members each include a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.

In yet other features, the bipod includes a second lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the second carriage relative to the rail. In still other features, the bipod includes a removable grip that couples with the second carriage.

In yet other features, the bipod includes a turret rail member that rotatably couples with the first carriage such that the first carriage may pan the firearm and a second carriage that slidingly receives a rail portion of the turret rail member. In still other features, the bipod includes a third lock assembly that selectively prevents rotation of the turret carriage relative to the turret rail member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an exemplary bipod according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary bipod.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exemplary bipod.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary bipod.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary bipod looking into a plane V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary bipod looking into a plane VI of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the exemplary bipod with leg extensions in retracted and extended positions respectively.

FIGS. 8A-8C are side, perspective, and bottom views of the exemplary bipod in a stowed configuration.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of the exemplary bipod in first and second deployed configurations respectively.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views illustrating a firearm attached to a prior art bipod in a deployed configuration.

FIGS. 11A-11D are side views illustrating a firearm attached to the exemplary bipod in a plurality of deployed configurations.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary bipod including similar features as the exemplary bipod of FIGS. 1-11D.

FIGS. 13A-13C are perspective, front, and side views of an exemplary foot of the exemplary bipods.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary bipod including panning and canting features.

FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective views of features for enabling panning of the exemplary bipod of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the exemplary bipod of FIG. 14 with the panning feature unlocked.

FIG. 17A is a side view of an exemplary bipod with the panning feature of FIGS. 15A-15C. FIGS. 17B and 17C are top views showing partial cross-sections of the exemplary bipod of FIG. 17A looking into plane XVII.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are front views of the exemplary bipod of FIG. 14 illustrating canting features.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an exemplary bipod and grip and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 19A along a plane XIX that bisects the bipod and grip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of one or more inventions will now be described with reference to figures, wherein like numerals reflect like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain features of the embodiments or inventions. Furthermore, embodiments of the inventions may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions described herein.

The words proximal and distal are applied herein to denote specific ends of components of the apparatus described herein. A proximal end refers to the end of a component nearer to an operator when the apparatus is being used as intended. A distal end refers to the end of a component further from the operator when the apparatus is being used as intended. “Left” refers to a left side of as viewed by the operator and “right” refers to a right side as viewed by the operator. “Upper” refers to the direction going away from a support surface such as the terrain, ground, or floor and “lower” refers to the direction going towards the support surface. Directional cues in this regard may be indicated by axes 200 as shown in FIG. 1.

Generally, a bipod provides support to a distal end of an attached firearm. Supporting the distal end of the firearm enables the shooter to lay with the firearm and better steady the firearm while selecting and tracking a target or subject of study. A typical bipod 10 offers a fixed attachment point 12 for a firearm 20 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. A shooter S may use a scope 22 to aim the firearm 20 at the target. To adjust an angle α downward from the shooter, such as from an elevated position as on a slope or bluff, the shooter S must pivot the entire bipod 10 about a distal end 14 of the legs, which are engaged with the ground G to form a pivot point P. Thus, to shoot downward towards a target below the shooter S, a proximal end 24 of the firearm 20 must be raised upward. Raising the proximal end 24 of the firearm 20 requires the shooter S to also rise, which in turn may increase the risk of exposure to fire from the intended target or another. For example, the shooter S may be exposed at a first height Y1 greater than an initial height Y0 when the firearm 20 is aimed along the horizon. In addition, by pivoting forward, a distance measured from the edge E of the elevated position may decrease from an initial distance X0 to a smaller distance X1. This also may increase the risk of exposure.

One advantage of the present invention includes the ability to adjust the angle of the legs relative to the firearm. Another advantage of the present invention includes the ability to translate the firearm while attached relative to the bipod. Features associated with these advantages enable the shooter to lower the body adjust the location of the pivot point of the firearm to reduce the need to raise the proximal end of the firearm, thus decreasing the risk of exposure of a shooter.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary bipod 100 including various features associated with these advantages. In some cases, features may be described with reference to directions indicated by the axes 200 as experienced by the shooter S when using the bipod 100 attached to the firearm 20, such as in FIGS. 11A-11D. The bipod 100 includes a first carriage 102 disposed distal to the shooter and a second carriage 104 disposed proximal to the shooter. The carriages 102 and 104 are configured to receive a rail 106, which in turn is configured to attach to a firearm along any one of the barrel, stock, or other housing used for support when laying the firearm. The rail 106 may include a Picatinny-style rail or any other type of rail (KeyMod mounted, special built, etc.) Typically, the rail 106 is mounted to the underside of the stock or a forward grip of the firearm depending on the type of firearm. More and more firearms are of the AR type, or have been designed to be modular where different fore-ends can be attached for different attach points for accessories like bipods. This allows for interchangeability or attachment of different types of components or accessories.

The bipod 100 further includes at least one leg housing although preferably a first leg housing and a second leg housing. The first and second leg housings may include, for example, a left leg housing 108 a and a right leg housing 108 b (collectively leg housings 108) respectively. The left and right leg housings 108 a and 108 b each include a length L from an upper end 109 to a lower end 111 as seen in FIG. 8A. The leg housings 108 may be substantially mirror images of one another, and therefore for simplicity may be described using the same numerals or similar numerals. The left and right leg housings 108 a and 108 b pivotally couple with left and right portions 102 a and 102 b of the first carriage 102 respectively via pins or bolts. Thus, the first carriage 102 may pivot relative to the leg housings 108 and act as a first pivot point P1 about which the firearm 20 may pivot.

Linking members 110 operably couple each of the leg housings 108 with the second carriage 104. For example, each leg housing 108 may include a link mount 112 distal to the upper end 109 and projecting proximally to couple with a distal end 113 of each linking member 110. A proximal end 115 of each linking member 110 pivotally couples with left and right portions 104 a and 104 b of the second carriage 104 respectively. When in a deployed configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the leg housings 108 project away from the first carriage 102 at an angle to support the firearm attached to the rail 106, also shown in FIG. 11A. When in a stowed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the leg housings 108 pivot about the first pivot point P1 towards the rail 106 for compactness. Furthermore, in any deployed configuration, leg extensions 114 may be extended from within channels of the leg housings 108. The channels may be hollowed-out portions of the leg housings 108. Each leg extension 114 may include a foot 116 (collectively feet 116) on the lower end. The feet 116 may be curved on lower surfaces and include cross cuts to provide a grip or resistance against the surface to counter the effects of recoil during shooting. This allows for faster follow up shots as repositioning to re-aim in successive shots is minimized.

Like the leg housings 108, the first carriage 102 and the second carriage 104 may be substantially mirror images of one another, and therefore for simplicity may be described using the same or similar numerals. Each carriage 102 and 104 includes a channel 118 configured to receive the rail 106. The channel 118 may include a dovetail profile or any other mating profile for rails known in the art including Picatinny rails. The rail 106 may freely slide within the channels 118 of the carriages 102 and 104. The first carriage 102 and the second carriage 104 may be moved independently along the rail 106. A distance D between the carriages 102 and 104, as shown in FIG. 5, may be held constant or adjusted while positioning and adjusting the bipod 100.

Each carriage 102 and 104 further includes a lock assembly 120 that is configured to lock the rail 106 in place relative to each carriage. For example, the lock assembly 120 may include a trigger 122, a stop 124, and a bias member 126 (see FIG. 6). The lock assembly 120 may engage a lower surface 121 of the rail 106 to restrict movement of the rail 106 relative to the respective carriage 102 or 104. The bias member 126 may bias the trigger 122 into contact with the lower surface 121 of the rail 106. In the present example, the lock assembly 120 is integral with the carriages 102 and 104, portions of which projecting distally away and proximally away from each carriage respectively. The trigger 122 pivotally mounts within the stop 124 and when actuated, may pivot a projecting member 128 on one end.

The projecting member 128 may extend partially into the channel 118 from the lower side of the carriage. The trigger 122 may pivot the projecting member 128 into and out of engagement with the lower surface 121 of the rail 106. The bias member 126 may pivot the projecting member 128 into engagement with the lower surface 121 of the rail 106. The lower surface 121 of the rail 106 may include ratchetings 123 to retain the projecting member 128 and thus lock the respective carriage in place relative to the rail 106. In other examples, the lower surface 121 may include a gripping surface that slides freely within the channel 118 and the projecting member 128 may include a mating gripping surface. In this example, no ratchetings may be provided and the engagement may be frictional rather than through interference.

As described above, the first carriage 102 and the second carriage 104 include channels 118 for receiving the rail 106. The channels 118 may be open at upper surfaces of the carriages 102 and 104. The channels 118 may include apertures 130 through which the projecting members 128 extend. The carriages 102 and 104 can be moved along the rail 106 to change position by depressing the trigger 122 and releasing the projecting members 128 from contact with the rail 106. When one of the triggers 122 is depressed, then the respective carriage 102 or 104 can move along the rail 106. For example, when the trigger 122 of the second carriage 104 is depressed, the second carriage 104 may move along the rail 106 while the first carriage 102 remains fixed. In this manner, the angle α may be adjusted as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D.

Each carriage 102 and 104 may move towards or away from the other carriage as the shooter S adjusts the angle α or the rail 106 is positioned distally or proximally or some combination of the two movements. Furthermore, once the carriages 102 and 104 are locked in position, the rail 106 may be slid distally or proximally from the shooter to adjust the location of the first pivot point P1 along the firearm. In addition, the second carriage 104 can be actuated back towards the proximal end of the rail 106 closest to the shooter to allow the leg housings 108 to be angled distally. This would aid in shooting over an edge in a downward direction. This allows the firearm to stay low while still providing the stabilizing effect for aiming. In addition, this minimizes the silhouette and exposure of the shooter as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D.

Referring again to FIG. 5, additional features of the leg housing 108 include a channel 119 configured to receive the leg extension 114. The leg housing 108 may include a retention mechanism 140 that retains the leg extension 114 within the channel 119. For example, the retention mechanism 140 may include a retention trigger 142, a retention projecting member 144, and a retention bias member 146. The retention projecting member 144 may engage with one or more recesses 127 of the leg extension 114. The retention bias member 146 may bias the retention projecting member 144 into engagement with the recesses 127. The retention trigger 142 may be depressed to release the retention projecting member 144 from the recesses 127. The leg extension 114 may descend from the channel 119 due to gravitational forces. Alternately, a deployment or retention bias member (not shown) may bias the leg extension 114 either distally or proximally relative to the leg housing 108. In this manner, the leg extensions 114 may be independently adjusted to increase or decrease a height of both the left and right sides of the bipod 100 from H1 to H2 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, the bipod 100 may be positioned in a stowed configuration as shown. For example, the leg housings 108 may be pivoted about the first pivot point P1 by sliding the second carriage 104 towards the first carriage 102, decreasing the distance D there between them. This may be accomplished by depressing the trigger 122 of the second carriage 104 to disengage the projecting member 128 from the rail 106, sliding the second carriage 104 towards the first carriage 102, and releasing the trigger 122 to engage the projecting member 128 with the rail 106 again. In the stowed configuration, the leg housings 108 may be parallel with the rail 106. The first and second carriages 102 and 104 may be disposed anywhere along the rail 106. For example, the carriages may be moved simultaneously towards the proximal end of the rail 106 or the distal end of the rail 106.

The bipod 100 may be positioned into a plurality of deployed configurations, two of which are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B respectively. For example, in a first deployed configuration shown in FIG. 9A, the leg housings 108 may be pivoted in a first direction A about the pivot point P1 (counter-clockwise) by sliding the second carriage 104 away from the first carriage 102 and towards the proximal end of the rail 106 as indicated by arrow B. This may be accomplished by depressing the trigger 122 of the second carriage 104 to disengage the projecting member 128 from the rail 106, sliding the second carriage 104 away from the first carriage 102, and releasing the trigger 122 to engage the projecting member 128 with the rail 106 again. Pulling the second carriage 104 proximally towards the shooter will apply a force F on the linking members 110. The linking member 110 transfer the force to the mounts 112 which in turn pull the legs housings 108 down from the stowed configuration. Gravity may also aid the leg housings 108 in being drawn down from the stowed configuration.

The first and second carriages 102 and 104 may be positioned in numerous locations and at various distances D apart from one another to provide a plurality of deployed configurations. For example, in a second deployed configuration shown in FIG. 9B, the leg housings 108 may be pivoted in a second direction C about the pivot point P1 (clockwise) by sliding the first carriage 102 towards the second carriage 104 as indicated by arrow E as both carriages are also positioned proximally towards the shooter. This may be accomplished by depressing the trigger 122 of the first carriage 102 to disengage the projecting member 128 from the rail 106, sliding the first carriage 102 towards the second carriage 104, and releasing the trigger 122 to engage the projecting member 128 with the rail again 106. Alternately, the second carriage 104 may slide towards the first carriage 102 in a similar fashion as when positioning the bipod in the stowed configuration but stopping before reaching the stowed configuration. The force F may be applied to push the leg housings 108 In this manner, the angle α may also be adjusted.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate some, advantages of the exemplary bipod 100 compared with prior bipods such as the bipod 10 of FIGS. 10A and 10B. In FIG. 11A, the firearm 20 is shown in substantially the same position as in FIG. 10A but with the bipod 100 attached. The shooter S has the same exposure due to height Y0 measured from the ground G and distance X0 from the edge E as in the prior art. In FIG. 11B, the firearm 20 has been pivoted on the bipod 100 as described above. The first and second carriages 102 and 104 have been positioned closer together to adjust the angle of attack α to be substantially the same as in FIG. 10B. However, because the firearm 20 is pivoted about the first pivot point P1 rather than the pivot point P at the ground G, the shooter S may hold position further from the edge E. That is, in FIG. 10B, the first visible portion of the shooter S may be at a position X1. However, the position is further from the edge E in FIG. 11B. That is, X2 is greater than X1, which improves the cover for the shooter S by reducing angles from which the shooter may be spotted from below.

In FIG. 11C, the shooter's exposure has been decreased further as can be clearly seen by the silhouette of the firearm 20 from FIG. 10B shown in dashed lines. The leg housings 108 have been pivoted upward about the first pivot point P1 by bringing the first carriage 102 and second carriage 104 closer together. In addition, the shooter may pivot the bipod 100 about the pivot point P at the ground G. This decreases the height to H3 and allows the shooter S to move further away from the edge E to a distance X3. That is, X3 is greater still than X2 and H3 is less than H2, which further improves the cover for the shooter S by reducing angles from which the shooter may be spotted from below. In FIG. 11D, the shooter's exposure has also been decreased in the vertical direction such that Y4 is less than Y3. However, the distance to the edge has been decreased to X4. It may be desirable in some instances for the shooter S to adjust the exposure depending on the terrain and cover available.

The bipod 100 may be adjusted in numerous ways to adjust the angle of attack α, the horizontal position X of the shooter, and the vertical position Y of the shooter. In this manner, the shooter has increased options to reduce exposure while maintain a stable position from which to target and shoot. The locking assemblies 120 for both carriages 102 and 104 further ease adjustment of the bipod positioning with a single hand, freeing the shooter's other hand to fire and reducing the need to reposition after adjustment. Likewise, the retention mechanism 140 for both leg housings 108 further ease adjustment of the bipod position with a single hand as well.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the exemplary bipod 100 is show without the rail 106. For example, the rail 106 may be integrated with the firearm or may be part of another component as illustrated in additional exemplary embodiments herein. In addition, retention mechanisms 140 may be located anywhere along the leg housings 108. As shown in FIG. 12, the retention mechanisms 140 are located near the middle of the leg housings 108 which may facilitate adjustment of their lengths more quickly due to proximity to other features such as lock assembly 120. Also shown in FIG. 12, another example of feet 216 are illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, the feet 216 include various features that enable easier, quicker, and more stable positioning of the bipod 100. Foot 216 includes a body member 201, a base member 203, a receiving aperture 205, a securing aperture 207, a hinge 209, and a tread 211. The body member 201 may intersect the base member 203 at an angle β as illustrated in FIG. 13B. The angle β may correspond to deployed angle of the leg housing 108 from normal. The receiving aperture 205 may be disposed within the body member 201 and configured for coupling with a projecting portion of the leg extension 114 by a friction fit. For example, the foot 216 may be formed from a gripping material such as a polymer, rubber, or other elastomer that can be pressed onto the leg extension. Another projecting portion of the leg extension may slide into the securing aperture 207 to keep the foot 216 secured to the leg extension 114.

Hinge 209 may include a living hinge formed between the body member 201 and the base member 203. Other hinge types may also be used. However, forming a living hinge between the body member 201 and base member 203 into a single, continuous, unitary construction provides the greatest benefit for the various angles at which the bipods 100 and 300 maybe be deployed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13C, the foot 216 may allow for flexing in the forward direction at a first angle γ1 and in the aft direction at a second angle γ2.

Tread 211 may include various projections, teeth, or other patterned surfaces that provide various levels of grip under different conditions. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, the tread 211 includes square pyramid projections. For example, multiple styles of tread 211 may be provided and interchangeable for various surfaces on which the bipod 100 may be used including but not limited to rock, gravel, smooth stone, wet surfaces, among others. Tread 211 may include flat, ribbed, smooth, suction cup, spiked, or other styles known to engage various surfaces. For example, a spiked surface may be used for softer terrains such as grassy fields and a suction cup or smooth surface such as glass.

Another exemplary bipod 300 shown in FIGS. 14-20 includes additional features to enable panning of the firearm from left to right (a panning feature) and canting or rotating of the fire along an axis parallel to the length of the firearm (a canting feature). Either feature individually or both features may be used in conjunction with additional features disclosed here including those features described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11D.

As shown in FIG. 14 and FIGS. 15A-C, the bipod 300 includes at least the panning feature which comprises a turret carriage 302, a release carriage 304, and a turret rail member 306. The turret carriage 302 and the release carriage 304 include various features similar to the carriages 102 and 104 described above. Turret carriage 302 includes channel 118 for receiving a rail such as rail 106, a rail already part of the fire arm, or rails and rail members as further discussed below such as turret rail member 306. Trigger 122 functions similarly to toggle projecting member 128 (shown in FIG. 16) into engagement with ratchetings 123 of the rail 106. Release carriage 304 includes left and right portions 304 a and 304 b for coupling with linking member 110. Release carriage 304 includes a channel 318 for receiving turret rail member 306. Turret rail member 306 includes left and right portions 306 a and 306 b which pivotally couple with leg housings 108 a and 108 b respectively. A trigger 322, similar to trigger 122, toggles projecting member 328 into engagement with ratchetings 323 of a rail portion 306 c of the turret rail member 306.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 15A-C, additional features enable panning of the bipod 300. The panning feature includes within the turret carriage 302, a panning aperture 350 for receiving a panning post 352 projecting upwardly from the turret rail member 306. When coupled together, the turret carriage 302 may rotate or pivot about the turret rail member 306 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the panning post 352 and substantially as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17C. This enables a firearm coupled with the bipod 300 to pan from left to right as described in further detail below. The firearm may be coupled with the turret carriage 302 via the rail 106 being in sliding engagement with the channel 118. The release carriage 304 includes the channel 318 which slidingly engages with turret rail member 306. Turret rail member 306 include left and right portions 306 a and 306 b, similar to carriage 102, such that left and right leg housings 108 a and 108 b pivotally couple with the left and right portions 306 a and 306 b of the turret rail member 306 respectively via pins or bolts. Thus, the leg housings 108 may pivot about the left and right portions 306 a and 306 b.

Continuing now also with FIG. 16, the panning feature further includes a panning lock assembly 360 for restricting rotation of the turret carriage 302 about the turret rail member 306. For example, the panning lock assembly 360 may include a pull toggle 362 coupled with a release pin 364 (shown in FIGS. 17A-17C) housed within a lock housing 366 on the turret rail member 306. The release pin 364 may extend partially out of the lock housing 366 via an aperture 367 and into a recess 368 of the turret carriage 302 when the turret carriage 302 is aligned in a straight-on, aligned, and locked position as shown in FIG. 17B. A bias mechanism 370, such as a coil spring, may be wrapped about the release pin 364 and enclosed within the lock housing 366 to retain the release pin 364 therein and further bias the release pin 364 into engagement with the recess 368, thus locking the turret carriage 302 in place relative to the turret rail member 306. The pull toggle 362 may be rotatably coupled with the release pin 364 by a pivot pin 372. The pull toggle 362 may be pulled toward the operator as indicated by arrow A, acting against the bias mechanism 370 to extract the release pin 364 from engagement with the recess 368.

Continuing now also with FIG. 17C, the pull toggle 362 may also be rotated about the end of the release pin 364 at the pivot pin 372 as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 17B. The operator may rotate the pull toggle 362 in order to lock the release pin 364 in a released position, thus compressing bias mechanism 370. For example, the pivot pin 372 is located a first distance D1 from first surface 374 that engages the lock housing 366 when in the locked position. The first distance D1 may correspond to a depth of the recess 368. When the pull toggle 362 is rotated, the pivot point 372 may be located at a second distance D2 from a second surface 376 that engages the lock housing 366 when in the released position. The second distance D2 may be greater than D1 and greater than the depth of the recess 368. In this manner, the release pin 364 may be substantially engaged with the recess 368 in the locked position of FIG. 17B and substantially disengaged from the recess 368 in the released position of FIG. 17C without need for the operator to continue pulling or pushing the pull toggle 362. When in the released position, the turret carriage 302 may thus freely pivot clockwise and counterclockwise about the turret rail member 306 thus enabling left-to-right panning of an attached firearm as indicated by arrow C. Other types of lock assemblies could be used to lock the turret carriage 302 in place as known in the art.

When in the release position, the turret carriage 302 may freely rotate about the turret rail member 306 while the turret rail member 306 continues to be engaged with the release carriage 304. The operator may return the turret carriage 302 to the straight-on, locked position and rotate the pull toggle to engage the release pin 364 with the recess 368. Although one recess 368 is shown, additional recesses could be provided within the turret carriage 302 to provide additional locked positions. Engagement of the projecting member 328 of the release carriage 304 with the ratchetings 323 of the turret rail member 306 maintains structural support to keep the leg housings 108 of the bipod 300 locked in place. Meanwhile, engagement of the projecting member 128 of the turret carriage 302 with the ratchetings 123 of the rail 106 maintains the firearm within the channel 118 while permitting the firearm to rotate or pan from left to right.

Furthermore, exemplary bipod 300 may include a canting feature to enable rotating an attached firearm substantially about a longitudinal axis of the firearm or about a line substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firearm. For example, referring now also to FIGS. 18A-B, the canting feature may include a pivotable connection between an upper portion and a lower portion of the turret carriage 302 and the release carriage 304 which enables the firearm to cant or adjust a rotational position about the axis of the firearm to adjust for terrain changes. For example, in FIG. 18A, the terrain T is substantially level or parallel with the horizon. However, in FIG. 18B, the terrain T is angled, such as a hillside, slope, or graded surface, and is no longer substantially level or parallel with the horizon. The bipod 300 could be adjusted by raising one of the leg extensions 114 slightly to compensate for the angle. However, as time is of the essence, a firearm attached to the bipod 300 may be pivoted or tilted about canting points 378.

The canting points 378 may be integrated into the turret rail member 306 and the release carriage 304. For example, referring back to FIGS. 14, 15A, and 15C, the canting points 378 may be located just above the left and right portions 306 a and 306 b of the turret rail member 306 and the left and right portions 304 a and 304 b of the release member 304. The canting points 378 may include hinged couplings and springs 380 to maintain the firearm at a 0 degree canting position such that the turret carriage 302 and release carriage 304 remain normal to the horizon. The springs 380 may include a spring constant sufficient to balance the need for maintaining a 0 degree canting position but low enough to enable maneuvering by the operator as needed. Thus, an attached firearm may be canted through an angle Θ degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19B, the bipods 100 and 300 may include an additional feature for coupling a grip 400. For example, bipod 300 includes a lock assembly 320 similar to the lock assembly 120 of bipod 100. Each lock assembly 120/320 includes a stop 124/324. For ease of discussion, the additional features for coupling the handle 400 will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 19A-19B and the lock assembly 320 of the bipod 300.

The grip 400 may include a slot 402 at a top end configured to engage with the stop 324 by sliding or clip-on engagement. For example, the slot 402 may include a keyed passageway with a raised edge 404. The slot 402 may wrap partially around the stop 324 yet enable trigger 322 to continue to function to position the release carriage 304. The raised edge 404 of the keyed passageway may mate with a corresponding surface of the stop 324 to provide a rigid coupling between the grip 400 and the stop 324. A latch trigger 406 may be pivotally coupled with the grip 400 on a rear-facing side of the grip. The latch trigger 406 actuates a latch pin 408 to engage a recess 325 in the stop 324. The latch trigger 406, for example, may be pivotally coupled with the grip 400 about a pin 412. The latch trigger 406 may be pressed inwardly of the grip 400 to pull the latch pin 408 away from the recess 325 of the stop 324. A bias member 410 may bias the latch trigger 406 outwardly from the grip 400 to push the latch pin 408 into engagement with the recess 325.

As noted before above, any of the panning, canting, and grip features of bipod 100 and bipod 300 may be used individually or together. Although exemplary bipods herein primarily have been described with reference to firearms, one skilled in the art would readily see the advantages applicable to other devices attached to bipods and supporting structures such as other forms of weaponry (artillery, mortars, etc. In addition, the same benefits and advantages may be useful in non-weapon devices used for photography, videography, astronomy, and the like where a stable mount is desired, with or without the additional benefits of improved cover from a subject of study. Furthermore, bipods, as the name implies, include two legs; however, one skilled in the art would also see that a monopod would benefit from similar features.

Example embodiments of the methods and systems of the present invention have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, these example embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible and are covered by the invention. Such embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as, within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories, comprising: a first carriage configured to slidingly receive the rail; a turret rail member that rotatably couples with the turret carriage such that the turret carriage may pan the firearm; a second carriage that slidingly receives a rail portion of the turret rail member; first and second leg housings, each having an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage and a mount disposed distal to the upper end; and first and second linking members, each including a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.
 2. The bipod of claim 1, further comprising a first lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the first carriage relative to the rail.
 3. The bipod of claim 2, further comprising a second lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the second carriage relative to the turret rail member.
 4. The bipod of claim 3, further comprising a third lock assembly that selectively prevents rotation of the turret carriage relative to the turret rail member.
 5. The bipod of claim 1, further comprising first and second removable feet on distal ends of the first and second leg housings, each including a body member that flexes relative to a base member.
 6. The bipod of claim 1, further comprising a removable grip that couples with the second carriage.
 7. A bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories, comprising: first and second carriages configured to slidably receive the rail; first and second leg housings, each having an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage and a mount disposed distal to the upper end; and first and second linking members, each including a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.
 8. The bipod of claim 7, further comprising a first lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the first carriage relative to the rail.
 9. The bipod of claim 7, further comprising a second lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the second carriage relative to the rail.
 10. The bipod of claim 7, further comprising first and second removable feet on distal ends of the first and second leg housings, each including a body member that flexes relative to a base member.
 11. The bipod of claim 7, further comprising a removable grip that couples with the second carriage.
 12. A bipod for stabilizing a firearm having a rail for attachment of accessories, comprising: a first carriage configured to slidingly receive the rail; first and second leg housings, each having an upper end pivotally coupled with the first carriage; and first and second feet on distal ends of the first and second leg housings, each including a body member that flexes relative to a base member.
 13. The bipod of claim 12, further comprising a first lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the first carriage relative to the rail.
 14. The bipod of claim 12, further comprising a second carriage configured to slidingly receive the rail.
 15. The bipod of claim 14, further comprising a mount disposed distal to the upper end of each of the first and second leg housings.
 16. The bipod of claim 15, further comprising first and second linking members, each including a distal end pivotally coupled with a respective mount and a proximal end pivotally coupled with the second carriage.
 17. The bipod of claim 14, further comprising a second lock assembly that selectively prevents translation of the second carriage relative to the rail.
 18. The bipod of claim 14, further comprising a removable grip that couples with the second carriage.
 19. The bipod of claim 12, further comprising a turret rail member that rotatably couples with the first carriage such that the first carriage may pan the firearm and a second carriage that slidingly receives a rail portion of the turret rail member.
 20. The bipod of claim 19, further comprising a third lock assembly that selectively prevents rotation of the turret carriage relative to the turret rail member. 